Airforces

http://www.airforcesmonthly.com #359 FEBRUARY 2018 // 83

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Warning and Control Group Command on
February 21, 2014 during a ceremony held at
Konya. The aircraft was named Kuzey (north).
In contrast with other aircraft, the E-7T was
produced with four ‘eyebrow’ skylights above
the cockpit window. This provides a wider
field of view for pilots during turns and allows
celestial navigation. Boeing subsequently
deleted these windows from the design of the
newer-generation 737s with more advanced
avionics systems. In addition, Kuzey lacks
the vortex generators in front of the cockpit
window that are found on the other three E-7Ts.
On its completion of required modifications
and tests at TAI, the second aircraft,
named Do ̆gu (east), serial 13-002, joined
the THK inventory in May 2014.
The third aircraft, named Güney
(south), serial 13-003, was added to the

inventory on September 4, 2014.

The last aircraft joining the fleet, on

December 9, 2015, was Batı (west), serial

13-004. This aircraft differed since it featured

updated software. It was planned that

this software would be integrated into the

other aircraft in the fleet in the future.

Due to the delays in delivery, the aircraft’s

C and D maintenance checks were

now due. The procedures were carried

out in the Turkish Airlines maintenance

hangar at Ankara Esenbo ̆ga Airport.

The E-7T can stay airborne for approximately

ten hours and mission time can be increased

up to 20 hours thanks to aerial refuelling.

The two pilots are provided with a twin head-

up display (HUD) – the first time Boeing had

used this arrangement. A mission team of

specialist officers and sergeants supports the

pilots. The aircraft features ten consoles and

can operate with a maximum crew of 19.

Early warning and control missions rely on the

360° coverage provided by the new-generation

stabilised radar. To this day, coverage of

Turkish airspace is provided by ground radar

ranges across the country. The E-7T offers

a larger and wider field of view compared

with ground-based radars. They are far less

likely to be affected by scattered returns from

mountains or valleys. The aircraft can therefore

fill the gaps in ground radar coverage.

The real-time radar image can be shared

with ground radars and fighters via a secure

data link system. Unlike conventional radars,

the MESA radar does not require special

maintenance and has no moving parts that

could wear out and reduce its performance.

Furthermore, radar range can be increased by

focusing its signals on a specific area if needed.

When required, the aircraft can be used as an

airborne operations centre. In this role, the E-7T

is used as a communications relay platform,

typically conveying up-to-date information and

instructions via data link and encrypted radio

to Turkish fighters, flying at low altitude. It is

noteworthy that some THK fighters lack radar

warning receivers (RWR) and therefore the E-7T

plays a very important role in alerting them when

they are being targeted by a hostile radar emitter.

Operational missions

During July 8 and 9, 2016 the E-7T was

called on to ensure aerial security during the

NATO Summit held in Warsaw. This was

the first overseas mission for the aircraft.

More recently, E-7Ts have served in the

southeast of Turkey to monitor movements

along the Syrian border. The aircraft was

on permanent duty along the border and

proved very effective in detecting border

violations and directing a response by Turkish

fighters on combat air patrol (CAP) duty.

Above: The aircraft is well equipped with electronic warfare self-protection equipment including the AN/
AAR-54 missile approach warning system, LWS-20 laser warning system, AN/AAQ-24(V) directed infrared
countermeasures system and chaff/flare dispensers. Left: Serial 13-001, the first E-7T for the THK,
undergoes maintenance on its ‘top hat’ radar in a Konya hangar. The L-band MESA radar provides 360°
coverage using a stationary antenna that is 35.5ft (10.8m) long and weighs 6,500lb (2,948kg).
AFM

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E-7T serial 13-004 ‘Batı’ (west) was the last

Peace Eagle aircraft to be delivered to the

Turkish Air Force. It entered service with

updated software.

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On a typical AEW&C patrol the aircraft will orbit

for nine hours at a distance of 300nm from base.

As well as using extra fuel tanks in the former

baggage hold to extend its range, it can refuel

via the flying boom method.